Factors that affect the nutritional value of maize for broilers

Maize contributes approximately 65% of the metabolisable energy and 20% of the protein in a broiler starter diet and is by far the most commonly used cereal grain in the diets of intensively reared poultry. One reason for the widespread use of maize in the diets of farmed livestock is that there is a perception that maize is of a consistent and high nutritional value. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the chemical composition and nutritional value of maize is variable, making generic matrix values for maize inaccurate. The nutritional value of maize for poultry is a function of the content of starch, oil, protein and antinutrients (primarily phytate, enzyme inhibitors and resistant starches). The effect of these nutritional components and antinutrients on the nutritional value of maize are discussed as well as strategies to improve the nutritional value of maize for poultry.